(MSc) Applied Psychology

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

Dublin Business School

Program Overview

The MSc in Applied Psychology at Dublin Business School (DBS) is a one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) NFQ Level 9 master’s that equips students with practical and theoretical expertise in core psychological science, research methods, and the application of psychology to real-world contexts such as health, education, business, wellbeing and social behaviour. It suits graduates from psychology or related disciplines who want advanced skills for careers in behavioural analysis, counselling support, policy, HR, market research, wellbeing roles or further postgraduate study.

Curriculum structure:

In the master’s year, students develop strong applied psychology competence through a sequence of taught modules and a research project. They begin by grounding themselves in Foundations of Applied Psychology, gaining a broad understanding of how psychological principles are used in contemporary practice. Through Psychological Research Methods & Statistics, learners build rigorous skills in both qualitative and quantitative design and data analysis that underpin evidence-based practice. Modules such as Social Psychology and Psychology of Wellbeing allow students to explore how psychological theory applies to social behaviour, health and wellbeing contexts. Professional Practice & Ethics in Psychology deepens understanding of ethical frameworks and professional responsibilities relevant to applied settings. The programme culminates in an Independent Research Project, where students apply research and analytical competencies to investigate a substantive psychological question relevant to their interests or professional goals.

Focus areas (in a string):

Foundations of psychology, research methods & statistics, social psychology, psychology of wellbeing, professional practice & ethics, independent research project.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Apply psychological theory to real-world contexts; design and conduct empirical research using qualitative and quantitative methods; interpret data for evidence-based decision making; integrate ethical and professional standards in practice; and complete a substantive independent research project.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Awarded as an NFQ Level 9 MSc by Dublin Business School, the programme supports progression toward roles in applied psychology-related fields and provides foundational skills relevant for further postgraduate psychology training or research work.

Reputation (employability rankings):

DBS is one of Ireland’s largest independent third-level institutions with a strong focus on applied postgraduate education; although it is not ranked in major global university league tables, its MSc in Applied Psychology is designed to enhance graduate employability in applied, research and people-centred roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical research skills by conducting their own empirical investigation, receiving advanced methodological training, and studying professional issues in applied contexts. The core of the experiential learning is an independent dissertation project, supported by dedicated training and access to university resources. This hands-on experience is delivered through several specific components:

Major Independent Research Project: Every student completes a dissertation based on an empirical investigation. This is the program's central practical exercise, requiring students to design, conduct, analyze, and report on original research in applied psychology.
Core Methodological Training: A compulsory Research Methodology and Statistics module provides the foundational technical skills needed to execute the empirical dissertation, covering essential research design and data analysis techniques.
Applied Optional Modules: Students choose from specialized applied modules like Theory of Psychotherapy, Applied Forensic Psychology, Counselling Skills, and Issues in Clinical Psychology. These modules translate theoretical knowledge into practice within specific fields.
Professional Skills Development: The compulsory Philosophical and Professional Issues in Applied Psychology module addresses ethical, philosophical, and practical considerations for working as a professional psychologist.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Dublin Business School's MSc in Applied Psychology develop advanced skills to apply psychological principles across health, organizational, and social contexts, positioning them for diverse professional roles. Typical positions include research evaluator, HR specialist, health intervention coordinator, and training consultant in public or private sectors. These outcomes emphasize practical application through electives in organizational or health psychology streams.

Career Support Elements:

University Services: DBS Careers Service provides CV workshops, job placement assistance, interview coaching, and networking events for psychology graduates.
Employment Stats: Strong employability in research/HR fields; starting salaries around €38,000-€48,000, with progression to senior roles.
University-Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with healthcare providers, NGOs, and corporate firms for applied projects and placements.
Long-term Accreditation Value: Builds foundation for further PSI professional training; enhances credentials in counseling, occupational, or clinical pathways.
Graduation Outcomes: Roles in market research, social policy, healthcare administration, teaching, or training/development across sectors.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates pursue PhD research, professional doctorates in clinical/occupational psychology, or specialized MSc programs, utilizing the dissertation and advanced research methods training [